guard 1 of 2

1
2
as in defensive
a position of readiness to oppose actual or expected attack be on your guard against snakes in the swamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in lock
a protective device (as on a weapon) to prevent accidental operation slid the guard into place over the chainsaw chain

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
as in guide
one that accompanies another for protection, guidance, or as a courtesy the honor guards raised their sabers as the happy couple descended the church steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

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guard

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word guard different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of guard are defend, protect, safeguard, and shield. While all these words mean "to keep secure from danger or against attack," guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger.

White House entrances are well guarded

In what contexts can defend take the place of guard?

The words defend and guard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack.

defend the country

When can protect be used instead of guard?

While the synonyms protect and guard are close in meaning, protect implies the use of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure.

a hard hat to protect your head

Where would safeguard be a reasonable alternative to guard?

In some situations, the words safeguard and guard are roughly equivalent. However, safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger.

our civil liberties must be safeguarded

When is shield a more appropriate choice than guard?

The words shield and guard can be used in similar contexts, but shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack.

shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guard
Noun
In a video circulated widely on social media, three officers stand guard while a fourth tries to handcuff Erin, then slings her to the ground face first. Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025 The All-Star guard, who was acquired via a trade with the Las Vegas Aces during the offseason, also had eight assists. John W. Davis, Oc Register, 25 May 2025
Verb
Anunoby scored 16 points in both Games 1 and 2 and shot 5-of-8 when guarded by Siakam. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025 Clippers guard James Harden made All-NBA third team, his eighth All-NBA selection and first since 2020. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guard
Noun
  • Most rides have a family waiting area for parents or guardians to switch off with kids who either can’t or don’t want to ride.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Then some of the bombs that Mayday placed go off right as the guardians’ cars drive by.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • That left voting centers practically empty at times and put officials on the defensive.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
  • In a matter of seconds, the Knicks found themselves on the defensive.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • A day after the singer, 38, shocked fans by walking the 2025 American Music Awards red carpet with a blonde bob — a far departure from her trademark long locks — Pratt, 41, defended his wife against hate comments.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 28 May 2025
  • Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Amenities: Canal view, hot water, shampoo/conditioner, board games, heating, Wi-Fi, kitchen, outdoor furniture, smart lock.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • In the face of nature’s power, preparation remains our most effective and enduring defense.
    Jim Foerster, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Indiana was also overhauling its defense, learning how to execute simpler yet more aggressive schemes with personnel better suited to defend than the team the Pacers put on the floor in 2023-24 — a team that, yes, made the Eastern Conference finals despite its defensive struggles.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Photographers hoping to capture the wonders of our solar system after sunset should check out our guides on the best cameras and best lenses for astrophotography.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 May 2025
  • The history of hegemony The term hegemony originates from the Greek hegemon, meaning leader or guide.
    Andrew Latham, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The Uruguayan made his Barca debut in 2019, receiving a red card just 14 minutes after coming on against Sevilla, but then improved to become regarded as one of the best defenders in the world across the coming years.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • There is an obligation to buy included in the defender’s deal, which means he will be contracted at Spurs until 2030 once that is activated.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Arsenal must protect themselves against a similar outcome next season — and the transfer market provides their best opportunity to do that.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Bear in mind, a tent does not protect you from lightning.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • In World War II, Russia relied on material support from the Allies and was largely blockaded within its Baltic Sea and Black Sea ports.
    Colin Flint, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Israel also has blockaded Gaza for the past six weeks, again barring the entry of food and other goods.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Guard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guard. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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